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By Parker Armstrong, Parker Public Affairs, LLC
Adam Ater has been sentenced to 18 years in the Indiana Department of Correction pursuant to a plea agreement in multiple criminal cases. The plea agreement was accepted, and sentencing was ordered on Monday, March 3, by Judge Dustin Houchin in Washington County.
Ater received a 6-year sentence for Attempted Burglary, a Level 4 felony. Due to his extensive criminal history, he will serve an additional 12-year sentence enhancement based on his status as a Habitual Felony Offender, bringing his total sentence to 18 years.
In addition to the burglary charge, Ater pled guilty to the following offenses:
- Auto Theft (Level 5 Felony)
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Level 6 Felony)
- Battery (Class B Misdemeanor)
- Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor)
- Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor)
Additionally, Ater was found to be in violation of his probation, further compounding the severity of his sentence. He has been ordered to pay $28,634.74 in restitution to two victims impacted by his crimes.
The charges stem from multiple incidents across Washington County:
On December 20, 2023, Washington County Sheriff's Deputies Paul Reyling and Captain Joe Keltner responded to a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the side door of the property had been tampered with, and a nearby gray truck was leaking gas. Further investigation revealed that the truck’s steering column had been drilled out in an apparent attempt to steal the vehicle. A knife was found in the driver’s seat, and metal shavings were visible on the floorboard. The homeowner provided trail camera images of the suspect, later identified as Adam Ater by Detective Brad Naugle.
On December 24, 2023, Washington County Sheriff's Captain Joe Keltner was dispatched to investigate an auto theft at a local residence. The investigation revealed that a 1995 Ford Bronco had been stolen from the property.
Later that same day, Indiana State Police Trooper Brett Walters spotted a Ford Bronco matching the stolen vehicle’s description. Trooper Walters attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled at a high rate of speed, leading police on a pursuit. The chase ended when the Bronco left the roadway, drove through multiple fields, and eventually came to a stop. The driver and two passengers fled on foot into a wooded area. Based on evidence recovered from the investigation, Ater was identified as the driver of the stolen Bronco.
Ater was taken into custody on December 27, 2023, after arrest warrants were issued. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
While in custody at the Washington County Jail, Ater was involved in a physical altercation with another inmate on December 18, 2024. Surveillance footage captured Ater engaging in the fight, leading to additional charges of battery.
"This sentence sends a strong message that repeat offenders will be held accountable for their actions," said Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. "We appreciate the collaborative efforts of our state and local law enforcement agencies and the dedication they have shown in seeking justice for the victims."